Burnham Liberalism Test

The IDRLabs Burnham Liberalism Test is inspired by psychometric methodology and based on themes discussed in Burnham’s analysis of liberal ideology. The test provides feedback such as the following:

Very Much Not a Liberal

You are very much not a liberal.

Your responses suggest strong disagreement with many principles associated with modern liberal thought. You are more likely to favor traditional authority structures, national sovereignty, and limits on government intervention in social and economic life. Individuals in this range often emphasize order, hierarchy, and stability over egalitarian or internationalist ideals. Your outlook aligns with critiques of liberal ideology that question its assumptions about equality, universal rights, and the role of the state. Rather than embracing expansive civil liberties or redistributive policies, you tend to prefer approaches that prioritize social cohesion, cultural continuity, and restrained government authority.

Not a Liberal

You are not a liberal.

Your responses indicate skepticism toward many liberal principles, though you may still accept parts of the liberal democratic framework. Compared with liberals, you are more likely to favor limits on government welfare programs, stronger national sovereignty, and greater emphasis on social order. Individuals in this range may support certain civil liberties or equal rights while remaining cautious about broad redistributive policies or international cooperation. Your perspective reflects a moderate critique of liberal ideology, balancing support for democratic institutions with reservations about the social and political assumptions that underpin modern liberal policy approaches.

Middle of the Road

You are middle of the road.

Your responses suggest a balanced mixture of liberal and non-liberal views. You may strongly support certain liberal principles such as civil liberties or equality before the law while remaining more skeptical about others, such as economic redistribution or international institutions. Many people in this range combine elements of liberal and conservative thought depending on the issue. Rather than adhering strictly to a single ideological framework, your views appear pragmatic and situational. Individuals with scores in this range often value both personal freedom and social stability, reflecting the complex mixture of beliefs commonly found in modern democratic societies.

A Liberal

You are a liberal.

Your responses show substantial agreement with the principles typically associated with liberal democratic ideology. You likely support strong civil liberties, equal rights across social groups, social welfare protections, and cooperative international relations. Individuals in this range generally believe that democratic institutions should promote fairness, protect minority rights, and address social inequalities. While you may still question certain policies or approaches, your overall outlook aligns with the liberal tradition emphasizing individual freedoms, political equality, and collective efforts to improve social well-being through public institutions and democratic governance.

Very Much a Liberal

You are very much a liberal.

Your responses indicate very strong endorsement of liberal democratic values across many areas of political and social life. You strongly support civil liberties, social equality, government programs aimed at reducing inequality, and international cooperation between nations. Individuals in this range typically see liberal principles such as human rights, democratic participation, and social welfare protections as essential foundations for a just society. Your outlook closely reflects the liberal worldview that emphasizes compassion, inclusivity, and collective responsibility in addressing social problems and improving conditions for individuals both nationally and globally.

References

• Burnham, J. (1941). The managerial revolution: What is happening in the world. John Day Company.
• Burnham, J. (1943). The Machiavellians: Defenders of freedom. John Day Company.
• Burnham, J. (1964). Suicide of the West: An essay on the meaning and destiny of liberalism. John Day Company.
• Burnham, J. (1973). The war we are in: The last decade and the next. Arlington House.
• Dahl, R. A. (1971). Polyarchy: Participation and opposition. Yale University Press.
• Friedman, J. (2001). The conservative revolution: The movement that remade America. Cambridge University Press.
• Ikenberry, G. J. (2011). Liberal leviathan: The origins, crisis, and transformation of the American world order. Princeton University Press.
• Lasch, C. (1991). The true and only heaven: Progress and its critics. W. W. Norton & Company.
• Rawls, J. (1971). A theory of justice. Harvard University Press.
• Schlesinger, A. M., Jr. (1949). The vital center: The politics of freedom. Houghton Mifflin.